Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners Hackney

Cleaners Hackney is committed to providing cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, and members of the public. We follow relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice and aim to continually improve our standards as our services develop.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

The main objectives of this policy are to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property; to provide safe systems of work; and to promote a positive safety culture throughout Cleaners Hackney. We ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into our cleaning operations and day-to-day decision making.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Cleaners Hackney has overall responsibility for implementing this health and safety policy and ensuring it is reviewed regularly. Management will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction, and supervision so that employees can carry out cleaning tasks safely and competently. We ensure that risk assessments are conducted and updated for our services and that any necessary control measures are put in place and monitored.

Managers must lead by example by following all safety procedures, supporting staff who raise safety concerns, and taking prompt action to resolve hazards. They are responsible for ensuring that all cleaning equipment and materials provided to employees are suitable, maintained, and used correctly.

Employee Responsibilities

Every cleaner and member of staff working for Cleaners Hackney has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment and personal protective equipment supplied to them, and co operate with management in implementing this policy.

All staff are expected to report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, and faulty equipment immediately to their supervisor so that appropriate corrective action can be taken. Employees must never misuse or interfere with any safety equipment or measures provided for their protection or that of others.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before carrying out cleaning work, Cleaners Hackney undertakes risk assessments to identify hazards associated with specific tasks, locations, and cleaning products. These assessments inform the safe systems of work that our staff must follow. Typical considerations include slip and trip risks, manual handling, working at height for tasks such as cleaning high surfaces, contact with cleaning chemicals, electrical safety, and security of premises.

Where hazards are identified, we implement control measures such as appropriate work methods, the use of personal protective equipment, safe selection and use of cleaning agents, and adequate supervision. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically or whenever there is a significant change in work activities, equipment, or locations served.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Cleaners Hackney uses cleaning products in accordance with product instructions and relevant safety data. We assess substances used for their potential health risks and take steps to minimise exposure to employees, clients, and others. Staff receive guidance on the safe use, dilution, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals and are required to follow these procedures at all times.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eye protection is provided where necessary and must be worn as instructed. Chemicals are never decanted into unlabelled containers, and products are stored securely away from children, pets, and food preparation areas when working in domestic or commercial environments.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Our cleaners frequently handle vacuum cleaners, mops, buckets, and other equipment. Cleaners Hackney provides training on safe manual handling techniques, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling to reduce the risk of injury. Staff must use correct posture, avoid overreaching, and seek assistance for awkward or heavy items.

All cleaning machinery and equipment are selected and maintained with safety in mind. Employees must inspect equipment visually before use and report any defects immediately. Only trained staff are authorised to operate specialist equipment. Power leads are managed to avoid trip hazards, and electrical equipment is used in dry conditions and disconnected after use.

Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaners Hackney supplies personal protective equipment appropriate to the cleaning tasks undertaken. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, footwear with good grip, and protective clothing. Employees must use this equipment as directed and keep it in good condition. Any damage or loss must be reported so that replacements can be provided.

Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and is used in conjunction with other control measures such as safe work methods and suitable cleaning products.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We ensure that all cleaners receive adequate induction and ongoing training in health and safety relevant to their roles. Training covers key topics such as safe handling of chemicals, manual handling, personal hygiene, use of equipment, dealing with sharps or bodily fluids where applicable, and emergency procedures.

Instructions and guidance are provided in clear language, and additional supervision is arranged where staff are new or when they undertake unfamiliar tasks. Refresher training is provided as needed to maintain a high standard of safety awareness across the business.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

Cleaners Hackney requires all accidents, incidents, and near misses to be reported as soon as possible. This enables us to provide any necessary support, record what has happened, and take measures to prevent recurrence. First aid arrangements are in place appropriate to the type of work and locations where services are delivered.

Employees are instructed on the actions to take in the event of fire, serious injury, or other emergencies, including raising the alarm, evacuating safely, and contacting the appropriate emergency services. When working at client premises, cleaners must familiarise themselves with the client site emergency procedures and follow them at all times.

Client Premises and Public Safety

Because we operate in homes, offices, and other premises, Cleaners Hackney takes particular care to ensure that our work does not create avoidable risks for clients, visitors, or members of the public. We manage trip hazards from cables and equipment, use warning signs where floors may be wet, and keep work areas as tidy as possible.

Our staff are instructed to respect client property, maintain confidentiality, and secure the work area when leaving. We also strive to schedule tasks and choose methods that minimise disruption while maintaining safe standards.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Cleaners Hackney monitors health and safety performance through incident records, staff feedback, site visits, and periodic reviews of this policy. Where shortcomings are identified, we take action to address them and update our procedures accordingly.

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment, or relevant legislation. We are committed to continuous improvement to ensure that our cleaning services remain safe, reliable, and professionally delivered.